Changes at Husky galvanise strategy for growth

Husky

Gerardo Chiaia will take on the new role of President of Global Beverage Packaging for Husky. In this role, Chiaia will be focused on continuing to grow the business through the ongoing development of innovative technologies that will improve quality and push the industry forward, while delivering solutions that offer the best value to customers.

“As an industry leader, Husky is committed to evolving our business to meet the changing needs of the industry and of our customers. My goal is to ensure we continue to work as a trusted partner to understand our customer’s needs and develop meaningful innovations to support their growth,” said Chiaia. "At the same time, I have confidence in the strong foundation we have established for our Hot Runners and Controllers business and believe we will continue to flourish with the team we have in place."

Since joining Husky in 1994, Chiaia has held positions of increasing responsibility across Husky’s service, sales and manufacturing operations. Having previously held the role of Vice-President Beverage Packaging, Chiaia brings great leadership and experience to many areas of this business, as well as a deep customer focus and passion for delivering on commitments. He most recently served as the President of Hot Runners and Controllers, where he was able to leverage his extensive experience to significantly drive growth and strengthen customer relationships. Chiaia holds a Master’s in Engineering and Automation from Metz University in France and an MBA from Sacred Heart University in Luxembourg.

Over the past several years, Husky has continued to make significant investments to its Beverage Packaging business, focusing on a steady cadence of innovation every 18 to 24 months. At NPE 2015, Husky showcased a multi-layer barrier module for its HyPET HPP5 preform manufacturing system, as well as new technologies including the self-cleaning mould and mould alignment. In addition to new technologies, Husky is also actively working with customers to maintain and renew their existing assets. Combined, these solutions focus on supporting customers by improving productivity and lowering the total cost to produce while ensuring the highest levels of part quality.

In 2013, Husky established Hot Runners and Controllers as its own standalone business under the leadership of Chiaia. Stefano Mirti, General Manager of Hot Runner and Controller Operations, will lead the organisation during this transition maintaining a continued focus on growth, delivering customer value and industry-leading product innovation. Having joined Husky in 1995, Mirti has a breadth of experience in various global roles throughout the organisation, having worked in Hot Runners and Controllers, Operations, as well as Sales and Service. He holds an Engineering degree from Ecole des Mines de Nancy in France and an MBA from Sacred Heart University in Luxembourg.

Recent investments to Husky’s Hot Runners and Controllers business include the introduction of the UNIFY pre-assembled manifold system to support automotive customers, Altanium Servo Control offering increased controller functionality and UltraHelix valve gate nozzles for superior gate quality and gate life. Moving forward, Husky plans to continue enhancing areas of its Hot Runners and Controllers business to deliver greater value, increased flexibility and better lead times to customers. This includes expanding upon existing product offerings to deliver increased flexibility, enhancing local service and support capabilities, as well as facility investments to speed up delivery times and maximise product quality.

Husky’s Hot Runners and Controllers offerings will be showcased at the upcoming Fakuma 2015 tradeshow in Friedrichshafen, Germany from October 13-17, 2015.

EPPM offers the European angle on the worldwide plastics industry. Each issue features key industry, materials, machinery and events news from around the world to keep you at the forefront of the industry.